by By Austin Byrnes, SMU Communications
SEATTLE – After nearly 300 days, the Saints finally returned to the court. With big efforts from Claire Dingus, Mallory Vivola, and Janealle Sutterlict, the Saints nearly pulled off the upset win over Division-I Seattle U 80-69 on Friday night.
Vivola provided the offense in the first half, connecting on four 3-pointers and scoring 14 of her 18 points. Dingus showed no rust in the first game, tying a career-high in rebounds with 15 along with a career high in assists with six, and scoring six points. Janealle Sutterlict (Yakama Nation) came alive in the second half and ended with a team-leading 20 points. A late run by Seattle U helped pushed the Redhawks past Saint Martin’s and secure the victory.
For not playing in nearly 300 days, the Saints came out in the early minutes with some rust. Seattle U jumped on a 10-0 run to begin the game; however, the Saints rebounded quickly. After the run, SMU quickly cut the lead down to four with an 11-4 run. Vivola started connecting from deep and hit the final basket of the quarter to bring SMU within 21-14 at the break.
The momentum continued for the Saints as Vivola and DeDonatis connected for a couple baskets. Saint Martin’s once again trimmed the lead down to four, but the Redhawks answered right back. Trailing by 11, the Saints closed out the first half with a 8-2 run, highlighted by a second chance 3-pointer from Vivola. The basket marked the fourth 3-pointer of the half and 14 points to lead all scorers.
Little over four minutes into the second half, the Saints had completed the comeback. Back to back baskets from Janealle Sutterlict erased the Redhawks’ lead and gave SMU their first lead of the game at 40-39. Both sides traded baskets and leads throughout the quarter with Seattle U taking a two point into the final quarter on a last second basket.
After a game-tying 3-pointer from DeDonatis, Seattle U began to build some momentum. The Redhawks scored 16 of the next 23 points to open up a double-digit lead with just minutes to go.
Saint Martin’s shot 26-for-70 (37.1 percent) from the field, along with 13-for-37 (35.1 percent) beyond the arc, and 4-for-6 at the line. SMU grabbed 38 rebounds with 18 assists on 17 turnovers, and managed four steals.
